“The vehicle has advanced technology features. It has a smooth ride, and it looks nice. The camera system is superb along with other features.”
Buick Envision: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Buick Envision is a two-row compact luxury SUV known for a quiet ride, an upscale feel, and easygoing road manners. It favors comfort and useful technology over sporty performance.
Since its 2016 U.S. debut, the Envision has filled the space between a mainstream compact SUV and a sport-focused luxury model. A quiet cabin, comfortable driving manners, and generous convenience features have remained central to its appeal. The second generation sharpened the design and technology while keeping the same comfort-first character.
Strengths
- Its quiet cabin and calm ride make everyday driving feel relaxed.
- It delivers a more upscale atmosphere than a typical mainstream crossover without adopting a sport-first personality.
- Models from the 2024 refresh onward pair a 30-inch dashboard display with broader standard safety equipment.
- All-wheel drive is standard on refreshed 2024 and newer models.
- The back seat has useful adult space, with 39.3 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
Who it's for
The Envision suits shoppers who want a comfortable five-seat SUV for commuting, errands, and road trips, but prefer a calmer and more premium experience than a typical mainstream crossover provides. It is a particularly natural fit for buyers who value a quiet ride and approachable technology more than sharp, sporty handling.
Buick Envision lineup
Preferred is the straightforward entry point and has been a familiar Envision trim since the first generation. In the current three-trim lineup, Sport Touring sits between Preferred and Avenir for shoppers who want a middle step rather than the base or top model. Avenir has served as the most upscale Envision since its 2021 introduction, so it is the one to seek when a richer overall presentation matters most. On 2024 and newer models, all three share the refreshed design, 30-inch dashboard display, turbo engine, and standard all-wheel drive.
Buick Envision generations
From 2016 to 2026, the Envision spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation (2016–2020).
2nd Generation (2021–Present)
The second-generation Envision arrived with a lower, wider body, a new 2.0-liter turbo engine, a nine-speed automatic, and more standard safety and phone connectivity. A substantial 2024 update brought revised styling, a 30-inch dashboard display, standard AWD, and a simplified three-trim lineup.
107 In Stock
2026
Carries over with Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims, plus the same turbo engine and standard AWD.
2025
Carries over the styling, technology, safety equipment, and three-trim lineup introduced for 2024.
2024Mid-cycle update
Gains new front and rear styling, a 30-inch dashboard display, standard AWD, more standard safety equipment, and a simplified trim lineup.
2023
Carries over without significant styling, mechanical, safety, or technology updates.
2022
Receives only minor cosmetic updates; the engines, safety equipment, and trim lineup carry over.
2021New generation
Redesigned with a lower, wider body, a new turbo engine and nine-speed automatic, more standard safety equipment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the first Avenir trim.
1st Generation (2016–2020)
The first-generation Envision debuted in the U.S. as a quiet two-row SUV with a turbo four-cylinder engine and AWD in two upper trims. The range expanded in 2017 with three lower trims and a second engine, then received refreshed styling and an updated upper-trim powertrain for 2019.
44 In Stock
2020
Carries over the five-trim lineup and two-engine setup from 2019.
2019Mid-cycle update
Gets a cleaner front end, updated rear lighting, and revised exterior details. Upper trims gain more engine torque and a nine-speed automatic.
2018Trim changes
Carries over the same five trims and two-engine lineup.
2017Trim changes
Expands from two upper trims to five with new base, Preferred, and Essence models. Lower trims bring a 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Teen Driver spread across the lineup.
2016New generation
Launches in the U.S. with Premium I and Premium II trims, a turbo four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and AWD.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick Envision.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Envision a small SUV or a midsize SUV?
The Buick Envision is a compact two-row SUV with seating for five. It sits between Buick’s smaller Encore and larger Enclave, making it a practical fit for shoppers who want manageable dimensions without moving to a three-row vehicle.
What is the Buick Envision known for?
The Envision is known for a quiet cabin, a calm ride, and an upscale feel that is still easy to live with. Newer models also stand out for their wide dashboard screen, standard AWD, and comfort-focused design.
Is the Buick Envision a hybrid?
No. The Envision has used gas four-cylinder engines throughout its U.S. run. Newer models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rather than a hybrid system.
Does every Buick Envision have AWD?
No. AWD became standard across the lineup with the 2024 refresh. Earlier Envisions included front-wheel-drive lower trims as well as AWD versions, while the first-generation Premium models paired their turbo engine with AWD.
Is the Buick Envision roomy enough for a family?
Yes, for many small families. The Envision seats five, and newer models provide 39.3 inches of rear legroom and up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room. It works well for everyday errands and family trips, but it does not have a third row.
Is the Envision sporty to drive or more comfort-focused?
The Envision is more comfort-focused. Its strengths are a calm ride, low cabin noise, and easy everyday driving rather than sharp handling or a firm performance feel. Even the Sport Touring trim mainly changes the appearance, not the power.
How many generations of the Buick Envision are there?
There are two U.S. generations. The first covers 2016 through 2020. The second arrived for 2021 with a new body, turbo engine, and updated technology, then received a substantial styling and dashboard update for 2024.
Buick Envision Reviews
What owners are saying about the Buick Envision.
4.2
Buick Envision
(2,415 reviews)
“If they want quality, good riding and a little pride in owning a nice vehicle, they should consider a Buick”
“The Envision is great midsize SUV with all the amenities. The gas mileage is good at 26 mpg. I love that it is all-wheel drive for winter driving in the Mid-west. has heated front and rear seats make it comfortable for everyone.”
“Comfortable drive. Good visibility. Nice seat memory/exiting features. Seat warmer and heated steering are excellent.”
“This vehicle lacks a few things that I would expect to have in a vehicle at this price, but overall is a good purchase. No turn signals in the exterior mirrors, no sunglass storage in headliner, no rear seat release in the back storage area...”
“This vehicle offers comfort, innovation, great gas mileage and safety. It is a pleasure to own and drive a Buick.”
Sources
- news.buick.com — 2023 / Jun / 0613 Envision
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBN23CT100 2024 ENVISION FO 053024R
- buick.com — Explore / News / Trim Levels
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBN23CT100 2024 ENVISION FO 053024R
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 03 Pdfs / GMBN23CT000FO 2023 Envision Specifications 031023
- media.buick.com — Envision / 2023 / 2023 Buick Envision
- media.buick.com — Envision / 2022 / 2022 Buick Envision 061521
- buick.com — Explore / News / Reasons To Buy Envision
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBN23CT000 2023 Envision Catalog Desktop 041823
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBN22CT000FO 2022 Envision Specifications 4.13.22
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBN21CT000 2021 Envision Catalog DIGITAL final
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2020 Buick Envision Brochure